What We Like
Stupendous performance
Equally stupendous refinement
All-wheel steering is a godsend
Wicked fun
What We Dislike
Ultimately still unwieldy
Fuel consumption further enriches oil companies
Third-row seats are only for kids
How often have you thought that things would be better if everyone took a moment to think before they acted? Or at the very least, used more of their common sense in everyday life? If these thoughts resonate with you, then you are someone who makes decisions based on logic and reason. You have a very practical nature as well.
When it comes to automobiles, the Germans are well-known for their engineering focus. You want more design flair? Look elsewhere, because being sensible comes first.
But being logical isn't always the norm. There are times when German engineers are allowed to let their hair down, don ripped jeans and quaff a few beers during lunch. When engineers have fun, a car like the Audi SQ7 emerges from the factory.
An SQ-what?
Keen-eyed observers will notice the car's huge 21-inch wheels (standard) and equally large brake discs lurking behind them. These measure 400mm in front and 350mm in the rear.
If these cues are still too 'tame', then the quad-exhausts should certainly raise some eyebrows.
In Audi's world, the S variants sit between the brand's regular cars and its fiery RS models. But calling the SQ7 a 'high-performance Q7' is putting it mildly.
Paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 2,265kg SQ7 can crush the century sprint in 4.1 seconds. This is a tank with the acceleration of a sports car.
And it sounds good, too. Though subdued, the V8 motor and exhaust emit enough audible burbles and throaty notes to put a smile on the driver’s face.
A relatively nimble experience
The air suspension controls the dampers and can adjust the SUV’s ride height by up to 90mm.
Still, this is not the car you'd choose for carving up mountain roads or flinging around slalom courses. But for something so massive, it is more manoeuvrable than expected.
Primarily responsible for this is the all-wheel steering, which gives the SQ7 a smaller than expected turning radius in multi-storey carparks by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front ones at low speeds. At high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing the SQ7's stability.
A laugh and a riot
From any speed, the V8 motor pulls with the force of a freight train, making the SUV feel smaller and lighter than it actually is. If you're brave (or foolish) enough, pinning the accelerator to the floor will pin you to your seat as the SQ7 attempts to overtake the horizon.
Every time you wonder if a 500bhp sports utility vehicle is actually necessary, the car gives you another reason to just shake your head and chuckle aloud. You may not like its handling, but if you're a petrolhead, its sheer power is nevertheless something to admire.
Bells and whistles in the cabin include Audi's MMI navigation plus, a head-up display and virtual cockpit plus.
Ventilated front seats with massage functions ($1,390) and Carbon Vector trim ($4,726) can be optioned to further enhance the interior's comfort and sportiness.
Reason and common sense are good for the world. But sometimes you need to forget them to have fun. So, undo a few shirt buttons and wear ripped jeans to work. Have a few drinks at lunchtime.
Driving a 500bhp, 2.2-tonne SUV with neck-snapping acceleration defies logic. Nobody actually needs an SQ7, but the fun it brings is what makes it so compelling.
In the market for a super sporty SUV? Here are some other models to consider:
The Audi e-tron S Sportback has three electric motors and mind-bending acceleration
The supercharged Jaguar F-Pace SVR is for those who like their cars unhinged
The Maserati Levante Trofeo has a glorious engine and an exotic feel
Catch us as well drive this hulk of an SUV and struggle with her second-row seats in our video review here!
